Lamma Island is just a short boat trip away from Central, but the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere of this cosy little island make it a real getaway from the city. Hope off the ferry and you will find two distinctive towns to explore, great hiking and an assortment of classic restaurants.
The island’s two towns are connected by the Lamma Island Family Hiking Trail, which runs along the coast and the ridge of the island. Mostly made from cut stone, this path offers picturesque views of the Cheung Chau, Aberdeen and the sea. The trail is around 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and it can be covered in around an hour. Leave extra time to dip into the water at Hung Shing Ye Beach.
At the trail’s northern end you will find Yung Shue Wan, a charming multicultural town of some 6,000 people. Stay a while to shop and explore in this area, which continues to draw Hong Kong’s expats and artists with its scenery and lower prices.
Down the other end of the trail is the village of Sok Kwu Wan. As you approach, keep your eyes out for the Kamikaze Caves. Small Japanese boats used Lamma Island as a launching point for attacks on Allied ships during World War II, and you can still spot evidence of where boats and weapons were hidden there.
Drop by Sok Kwu Wan’s famous strip of restaurants and take your pick of the eateries that stretch out along the pier. If you are having trouble choosing, simply find one that is already quite crowded. For a particularly relaxing atmosphere, settle in with a cold beer at an open-air location and watch the sun go down.
The seafood here is exceedingly fresh: you can even pick your own live fish from the large tanks by the cooking area, if you want. Local specialities include chilli crab, steamed garoupa and drunken prawns. Most restaurants have either pictures or English translations to help foreigners select a meal.
Ferries leave for Lamma Island from Central and from Aberdeen Harbour. You can choose to arrive at either town the trip is a little over half an hour each way. Remember to bring water and sun protection if you plan on hiking.
